KUALA LUMPUR: Islamic religious authorities are keeping a close tab on the teachings of several movements, says Senator Dr Zulkifli Hasan.
The Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) said this is part of the ministry’s efforts to curb deviant teachings through the National Steering Committee on Tackling Deviant Teachings (Japas) under the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim).
“Currently, we are closely monitoring the teachings of eight movements. At the same time, we are also investigating the teachings of 12 movements.
“With the re-activation of the steering committee, we are also looking at the other aspects, such as rehabilitation and prevention,” he said during the Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat here yesterday.
Zulkifli was replying to a supplementary question by Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias (BN-Jelebu) who had asked if the government was considering putting an end to active deviant teachings in the country.
He added that the legal review by the Muzakarah Committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) on Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) would be presented to the Conference of Rulers by yesterday and today.
The review, Zulkifli said, had been presented to the MKI chairman, Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah, which had received his approval.
“As of today, six states have set their rulings regarding GISB,” he added.
When asked why Al-Arqam followers continue to adhere to its teachings despite the ban in 1994, Zulkifli said it was due to the belief in the economic benefits and strength derived from the practices.
“Based on observations by Jakim, the Aurad Muhamadiyah order continues to be practised by followers due to several factors, including its clandestine practice, making it difficult to detect, as well as the enduring influence of Al-Arqam leader Ashaari Muhammad, which remains strong among his followers despite the issuance of a fatwa.
“Factors such as community influence within the group and uncertainty in understanding the fatwa also affects them. Therefore, the teachings exposed within the group contribute to the continued practice of the order.
“Jakim will continue to focus on efforts to strengthen the faith and beliefs of Muslims, including members of GISB, through the cultivation of knowledge, education and comprehensive and effective faith-strengthening programmes in collaboration with state Islamic religious councils and state Islamic religious departments,” he added.
